Smith was the first wild card coach to fall on Black Monday. After his firing, the team already sent out requests requesting permission to interview head coaching candidates.

Smith was 81-63 in nine seasons as the Bears head coach. He will likely rebound as a defensive coordinator or possibly a head coach in the coming months.

One of the potential candidates that the Bears have requested an interview from is Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. He is regarded as a very hot name in coaching circles right now.

McCoy has drawn rave reviews for changing the Broncos offense in the 2011 season when the Broncos changed their offense to accommodate Tim Tebow. Tebow led the Broncos to the postseason and beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round.

This season, his stock has soared with Peyton Manning at the helm of the Broncos offense. The Broncos have won 11 straight games.